Doñana National Park is made up of marshes, beaches, dunes, and reserves, each area surprising you with different details. Specifically, the Doñana marshes are a wetland area that stands out as a key location for European and African migratory birds.
What are the Doñana marshes?
The Doñana Marshes are an iconic place that you must visit at least once
in a lifetime. A landscape covering more than 25,000 hectares.
This area is home to a rich aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem, including endangered species such as the imperial eagle and the Iberian lynx.
Its wide variety of birds is due to the marshes, which provide the perfect combination of life and scenic beauty. Throughout the year, the Doñana marshes undergo various changes, such as the summer drought that turns them into a fragmented, dust-covered desert. When autumn arrives, water begins to cover this desert, turning it into a flat layer like a sheet of water.
The best time of year to enjoy the birds of the Doñana marshes is spring. At this time of year, the marshes are teeming with life, with both fauna and flora in full bloom.
In addition, the Doñana marshes are a protected area and have been declared a Special Protection Area for Birds, which increases their ecological value.
Birds of the Doñana marshes
As mentioned above, the Doñana marshes are considered a protected area for birds and, therefore, are rich in birdlife. Some of the most notable birds in the Doñana marshes that you are likely to see are the following:
- Iberian Imperial Eagle
This bird of prey, in addition to its impressive wingspan, has prodigious abilities such as extraordinary eyesight, which allows it to spot prey from hundreds of meters above, and powerful talons for catching large prey. This important bird, native to the Iberian Peninsula, is in danger of extinction. It faces three main threats: high-voltage towers, the reduction of its main prey (rabbits), and poisoning.
- Mallard
It is one of the most common birds in our country, and there are large numbers of them due to the large number of breeding individuals that inhabit the territory. It feeds on the biodiversity found underwater in the Doñana marshes, such as worms and small fish. This waterfowl is considered an abundant species that is well distributed throughout the territory, so it is not currently in danger of extinction.
- Flamingo
An easily recognizable bird due to its whitish and pinkish plumage, as well as its long neck and legs. It inhabits large areas with shallow water, such as the Doñana marshes. Its diet consists of tiny aquatic organisms, including algae and protozoa. One of the most surprising facts about this species is that the color of its plumage depends on its diet and is not present at birth, but rather acquired over the years through its crustacean-rich diet.
- Black-tailed tern
It is one of the most common and easily recognizable species. Its diet consists mainly of fish up to 15 centimeters long, although it sometimes feeds on shrimp or worms. Its main distinguishing feature is that, unlike other species in its family, it hunts by diving from heights of up to 15 meters.
- Common grebe
It stands out for being the smallest member of its family of grebes. It has a small body, a medium-length neck, and a short beak. It feeds on small organisms, such as larvae and amphibians, and is able to dive several meters to catch its prey before finally returning to the surface.
Now that you know about the variety of birdlife you can enjoy in the Doñana marshes, we recommend the perfect plan. Book your stay with us and enjoy tailor-made experiences with a private guide every day. Horse riding, bird watching, trekking, hot air balloon rides, cultural visits… Everything you need to make the most of this natural paradise.
This plan will allow you to immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Doñana National Park, explore its biodiversity, and enjoy incredible experiences while spending quality time with your family, partner, or friends.
At Kukutana, we look forward to welcoming you for a dream vacation at our farmhouse located in the heart of a nature reserve, just 45 minutes from Seville airport.
